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April 2012 MEGA Debut of the Month.

A sensitive, convincing and beautifully written novel. Full of descriptive power, it defines the beginnings and consequences of a family tragedy - from love and guilt to the difference between choices and accidents. With scenes so tense I had to skip ahead to check it was safe to continue and rounded, believable characters, this is a magnificent, moving debut.

A "Piece of Passion" from the publisher Orion...

"It's not often a book comes along that makes you drop everything. When Secrets of the Tides arrived one Thursday lunchtime, I started reading. Within two hours I'd called the agent to say that she really mustn't sell this anywhere else as we had to publish it."

I remember finishing reading it in the garden later that night, aware that I was letting my children go slightly feral as the book demanded my full attention. But I was utterly transported to Clifftops, the big house high on the Dorset coast, where things had gone so very wrong for the Tide family and I couldn't take my eyes off the page.

As Hannah Richell deftly unpeeled their story, moving seemlessly between the past and the present, it was clear that this was a family shaken by tragedy and that everyone was guilty of something.

This is a delicious read but so much more as well. Hannah explores the light and shade in all our lives, and how quickly our world can change in a heartbeat. Hannah Richell shows a narrative voice that is uniquely compelling and entirely her own. Secrets of the Tides is a very remarkable debut; I hope you enjoy it." Kate Mills Publishing Director at Orion Books.

A few Lovereading members have been lucky enough to get to read
this novel ahead of publication. Scroll down to see what they think...

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Here's what one of our members thinks of her bagA big thank you for the two Lovereading bags I ordered, which have arrived safely. I love mine and will use it with pride. The bags are lovely quality, sturdy and support a good cause in the Rewrap initiative; I think they make the perfect accessory for any book lover. The second bag was a gift for my sister and she says she will take it to her next book group meeting to help spread the Lovereading word. Once again, many thanks. Emily Wright

Synopsis

Secrets of the Tides by Hannah Richell

Every family has its secrets.

Some are small, like telling a white lie or snooping through a private drawer. Others are more serious, like infidelity and betrayal. And some secrets are so terrible they must be hidden away in a deep, dark place, for if they ever came to light, they would surely tear a family apart?

The Tides are a family full of secrets. Returning to Clifftops, the rambling family house high on the Dorset coastline, youngest daughter Dora hopes for a fresh start, for herself and the new life she carries. But can long-held secrets ever really be forgiven? And even if you can forgive, can you ever really learn to love again?

Reviews

In January 2012 Lovereading asked members and browsers whether they would like to review this title ahead of publication. A few lucky readers were selected to do so and below you can find out what they thought:

'Hannah Richell has an amazing descriptive way with words that sucks you immediately into the story and horror that unfolds. You feel like you are sitting watching a play unfold.' Catherine Dugmore - click here to read the full review.

'Secrets of the Tides is a fantastic debut novel. It has been beautifully written and this is one of those books that you really do not want to put down...I give this book 5 out of 5.' Sonya Kemp - click here to read the full review.

'This emotionally-charged novel tells the story of how secrets lurking within the Tide family serve to tear them apart. And how the events of one fateful day change everything for them as a family, with longlasting repercussions.' Christine McCormick - click here to read the full review.

'The characters are vivid and convincing. The story was engaging and
quite a page turner – I couldn’t wait to get to the end. The different
emotions created by the family tragedy were portrayed very convincingly
and showed the authors deep understanding of the subject, very touching.' Stephanie Harding - click here to read the full review.

'The author’s writing is subtle yet illuminating … I am not one for heady descriptions, but here the right balance is often gained and a setting is easily bought to mind. All in all an engaging read by a debut novelist, one that I would recommend to many a reader.' Helen Hancock - click here to read the full review.

'This atmospheric and heart wrenching book is one that you will recommend to your friends – although I would suggest that you should also include a pack of Kleenex to your recommendation!' Jillian McFrederick - click here to read the full review.

'This is an excellent debut novel from Hannah Richell and I cannot wait to find out what her next book will be about, pity I’ll have to wait until next year! This is one book that I would definitely recommend to friends and family so if you’re after a moving family drama, this one is for you.' Sharon Wilden - click here to read the full review.

'This story had me captivated from the ‘Prologue’ right through to the very end. It is a powerful debut novel and I was immediately drawn in by the intrigue and suspense, you just want to keep turning the pages until you reach the end...' - Nicola Greenwood - click here to read the full review.

'Secrets of the Tides is a debut novel that will draw you in and stay with you for a long time after you have finished reading. It’s a ‘keeper’ for me! ' Sharon Goodwin - click here to read the full review.

'The book is written assuredly and with a clarity of style which belies the fact it is Hannah Richell’s debut novel. The Tides are an imperfect, flawed family and through them the novel explores the family ties which can suffocate, the relationships which become so strained relatives are pulled apart and, ultimately, the bonds which hold families together...' Emily Wright- click here to read the full review.

'I loved this book. If you want a read which keeps you turning the pages this is it, especially if you enjoy gripping family sagas with an added touch of drama, mystery, and suspense. Beautifully written, and the Tide family are great characters, who bought me to tears. I have no hesitation in highly recommending 'Secrets of the Tides' - a fantastic debut novel, one I will remember for a long time. Now eagerly waiting to read another by Hannah Richell ...' Dawn Shaw

'I was slightly disconcerted at the prologue as it did not appear to be the sort of story I would enjoy. However, I continued and soon became immersed in the story.' Sian Spinney- click here to read the full review.

'The Secrets of the Tides is a compelling read, drawing you into the family from the outset. Finding it difficult to put down, the lives of the family stayed with me, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough...' Jayne Burton - click here to read the full review.

Below are some other reviews of this book:

'I held my breath from the first page to the very end. Secret of the Tides is a masterpiece - a rich and intricate exploration of a family torn apart by tragedy which is so real you feel as if you are amongst them. Sometimes the emotions were so raw that I could hardly bear it, but I had to read on. Du Maurier, Pilcher, Shreve - it is easy to make comparisons, yet it would be wrong to liken Hannah Richell to any other author, her voice is so strong. But there's no doubt about it, she was born to write.' Veronica Henry

'Secrets of the Tides cast a spell on me from its first page. Beautifully drawn characters, a fabulous setting and a house with a secret. But there’s so much more as well. Haunted me long after I’d turned the final page.' Kate Mills, Deputy Publishing Director, Orion Books

About the Author

Hannah Richell was born in Kent and spent her childhood years in Buckinghamshire and Canada. After graduating from the University of Nottingham she worked in the book publishing and film industries. She now lives with her husband and two young children in Sydney and returns to the UK as often as possible to spend time with family and savour the green grass of home.